Covid-19 Daily News Digest – April 8, 2020
Ontario suspends environmental oversight rules, citing COVID-19
The change allows the Progressive Conservative government to push forward projects or laws that could significantly impact the environment, without consulting or notifying the public. Critics say they fear the relaxed rules could be used to skirt environmental oversight for projects unrelated to COVID-19.
COVID-19 In Community: How Are First Nations Responding?
The efforts here are by no means exhaustive. Communities across the country are preparing the best they can in these circumstances to protect and support citizens. Regrettably, there have been many proposals that require some external support.
Indigenous Peoples and COVID-19: Protecting People, Protecting Rights
Like the rest of Canada, Indigenous Peoples are being asked to make difficult sacrifices in the name of our collective health and wellbeing. They should not also be forced to choose between protecting their members’ health and their continued ability to exercise their title and rights.
https://www.firstpeopleslaw.com/index/articles/449.php
City of Regina cancels National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is a tradition in Regina and it will return,” Mayor Michael Fougere said in a Monday news release. “It has been a point of pride to see more people and organizations coming together each year as a community to celebrate and acknowledge the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.”
City of Regina cancels National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration due to coronavirus pandemic
The city said its top priority is the health, safety and well-being of the community and its employees.
Covid-19 – Government of Canada and National Indigenous Organizations
The following is information in relation to the Government of Canada and National Indigenous organizations and their response
NWHU confirms six cases of COVID-19 in Northwest district
“We’re very concerned to keep the virus out of residences where elderly live. We have to be vigilant in keeping the virus from getting in. We don’t want to see what’s happening elsewhere happen here,” he said. “The goal is to limit the pressure on the limited number of intensive care beds and ventilators we have for people here in Kenora.”
First Nations elections proceed despite pandemic
For the first three weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government ordered all First Nations elections to take place as scheduled.
Under the Indian Act, the terms of chiefs and councils are fixed and cannot be extended. If a First Nation has no leadership, federal officials place it under “third-party management” (usually an accountancy firm) — a legislative black hole where basic services are administered, budgets are stringent, and band council resolutions cannot be passed.
NDP says COVID-19 crisis distracting from northern Ontario First Nation’s flooding plight
Residents have long claimed that they warned the federal government against the site because of the threat of flooding, but their advice was ignored.
An agreement to move the community to a new site about 30 kilometres south of the current site was signed with the federal and provincial governments last year, but Angus said minimal progress has been made.
https://q107.com/news/6785178/ndp-covid-19-coronavirus-distracting-ontario-first-nation-flooding/
Domestic violence increases with ‘stay home’ pandemic response
“I urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19.”
Kivalliq Inuit Association directs COVID-19 money to elders, traditional activities
The KIA’s three new programs flow from the association’s $4.3-million share of the Indigenous Community Support Fund:
• The Elders Support Fund will provide elders with support to buy groceries in local stores “as their needs determine.”
• The Traditional Activities Support Fund will supply a one-time financial contribution to support traditional activities and physical distancing.
• The Community Essential Aid Fund will offer communities money to help with their local radio stations, snow removal on community access roads, and distribution of food and cleaning supplies.
Indigenous Governance during COVID-19: A series
In the uncertain times we are currently facing, it is more important than ever for councils to be open and transparent with membership. We suspect communities are heeding the advice of health officials and are suspending all community gatherings for the time being. Under these circumstances, the best way for Councils to achieve certainty in their decisions and instill confidence in their members is to continuously communicate with membership and abide by normal council procedures, as prescribed by the Act and Regulations, as much as possible.
Coronavirus: 1st COVID-19 case surfaces in northwestern Ontario Indigenous community
A statement from the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority said a positive case of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus has surfaced in Eabametoong First Nation. The community, about 300 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont., is one of 49 remote areas comprising the Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Métis Nation of Alberta announces COVID-19 support plan
“Our plan is about directly investing in and supporting Métis people and families. It is responsive, preliminary and adaptable based on what we hear from Métis Nation citizens over the weeks to come and how this pandemic evolves.”